How old are Mikimoto pearls?

Mikimoto's first pearl boutique opened in Ginza more than 120 years ago, and we have been serving an international clientele ever since. We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide the finest level of hospitality and services expected of one of the world's leading jewelers from Japan.

When did Mikimoto pearls start?

Mikimoto is the premier producer and designer of the world's highest quality pearls and pearl jewelry. In 1893, Mikimoto's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, successfully created the first cultured pearls.

Do Mikimoto pearls hold their value?

Miki's retain value based on the condition of the pearls, having the original clasp, box and paperwork. Buying pearls as an investment isn't the best choice. Probably natural pearls retain their value best over time.

What is special about Mikimoto pearls?

Mikimoto has its own proprietary grading system for their pearls, and only carries pearls with excellent luster and thick, fine quality nacre. Mikimoto's Japanese Akoya pearls are sourced from the top 5% of each yearly harvest, and then sorted into their various grades from there.

Is Mikimoto worth?

Even a simple strand of Mikimoto pearls can set you back thousands of dollars. And the princes only get higher the more intricate the pearls. Therefore, we're inclined to say that Mikimoto really isn't worth the money — save your money and stick to the fake stuff.

Mikimoto Pearls-Elegance Through the Ages: Employee Picks

What are the grades of Mikimoto pearls?

There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. There are also four sub-grades: A1, A+1, AA1 and AAA1. The "1" represents a slightly more blemished surface.

Do pearls increase in value with age?

Pearls with particular brand names will also retain (and even increase) their value over the years; vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearls that still have their original clasp, box and papers to establish provenance are very highly sought after today and continue to fetch premium resale values.

Are Mikimoto pearls always knotted?

They are 6mm pearls about 16" long with a sterling pearl clasp. The pearls are not knotted in between each, just strung. There is no "M" stamp or any other mark indicating that it is a Mikimoto besides the papers that came with it. It is in a Mikimoto original box.

Is Mikimoto pearls cheaper in Japan?

I found the Mikimoto prices in Japan to be cheaper than the Mikimoto prices in Hong Kong, if that's any indication. I think the prices in Japan were about 10% to 15% cheaper? The Mikimoto pearls are beautiful, but bear in mind though that you will be paying extra for the brand.

Is Akoya and Mikimoto the same?

If you know much about pearls, you've heard of the fabled Mikimoto brand. These cultured Akoya pearls are considered by many to be the Rolls Royce of pearls. Sometimes mistaken for a type of pearl, Mikimoto is actually a brand name famous for selling Akoya Pearls.

Is Mikimoto a luxury brand?

Mikimoto Pearl Company offers some of the absolute BEST luxury pearls in the world. Since its inception in 1901, the Mikimoto brand has by turns astonished and dazzled the world, and shows no signs of stopping.

What is the hallmark for Mikimoto?

All Mikimoto jewellery is marked either with Mikimoto or the trade mark M in an Akoya oyster shell and either a silver or gold mark. The silver marks vary from S, SIL, Sterling, Silver, 950. If it is not marked with a Mikimoto mark it cannot be said to be genuine.

How do you clean Mikimoto pearls?

Wash pearls in distilled water with mild baby soap using a soft, natural bristle manicure brush. Support the jewelry and rinse with distilled water only. Pat off excess water and spread pearls flat to air dry; do not move until they are completely dry. Polish with a dry, soft cloth.

How can you tell how much pearls are worth?

The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.

How often should pearls be restrung?

Check stringing of pearls and restring when necessary. Pearls should be restrung every 24 months depending on the frequency of wear. An indication if pearls need to be restrung is by assessing the knots between each pearl. If they appear to be stretched or frayed, it's time to restring.

Are yellowed pearls worth anything?

Yellow vs Yellowed Pearls

Pearls come in a range of colors, including yellow and golden. They have been cultivated to acquire this color and are sold as yellow pearls. These pearls are beautiful in their own right and are highly valuable and sought after.

What color pearl is most valuable?

The larger size makes South Sea pearls and black pearls the most valuable type of pearl. On Mikimoto's website, this strand of South Sea cultured pearls is selling for $32,000. The other notable difference between pearl types is the color.

What is the rarest pearl color?

Naturally colored blue pearls are the rarest pearl colors in the world (with one or two exceptions, which we will get to below). The color has existed in pearls for decades, but only recently have naturally colored blue pearls gained popularity in the modern pearl jewelry markets.

Which is the best pearl in the world?

White and Golden South Sea pearls are the largest and most luxurious of all cultured pearl types on the market today. Often called the “Queen of Pearls”, South Sea pearls feature a gorgeous palette of natural Golden and White colors that shimmer with delicate overtones and are simply unmistakable.

What is the highest quality pearl?